Broken Teeth

Dental degradation, due to the unwanted action of oral bacteria, results in the softening of the enamel and dentine in the course of time. This can weaken the structural integrity of the tooth, causing the tooth surface to crack during day-to-day service. Previously restored or filled teeth may also break due to decay developing underneath the existing fillings, causing the fillings to fall out.

Teeth will chip or crack if they are unexpectedly overwhelmed with pressure, such as when they unintentionally bite into hard objects. (biting a metal spoon or an olive pit), trying to open a beer bottle, during a motor vehicle accident, falling down from the monkey bars, knocking your face against the pool fence, or tripping when facing down.

Teeth can also crack or split if subjected to chronic overloading, such as clenching and grinding at night.

Treatment for a broken tooth varies depending on the extent of the damage. A minor chip on the tooth may be repaired with a simple filling, whereas a severe crack may need a dental crown to further brace it against future breakage.

Sometimes root canal treatment may be required if the decay has already travelled into the nerve. Other times extraction may be the only option if your dentist thinks the tooth is not restorable.

If your dentist sees signs and symptoms of you grinding during your sleep at night (nocturnal bruxism), a protective night splint may be prescribed to further protect your teeth from breaking.

Broken teeth can trigger heat and cold sensitivity, chewing pain, or irritation of your tongue from its jagged edges. When a tooth is broken, bacteria is able to sneak into the deeper parts of a tooth, leading to future pain and infection of the nerve. It is best to have the tooth examined by your dentist as soon as possible to minimise unwanted cost, extractions and dental emergencies.